FDA issues warning letters to eight retailers for selling unauthorized tobacco products that mimic candy and other everyday items

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on May 20, 2026 that it has sent warning letters to eight retailers for offering unauthorized nicotine pouches and dissolvable tobacco products that resemble everyday items such as candy, breath strips and cough drops.

The agency said the product designs raise two major concerns: they could be mistakenly consumed by young children and they may attract youth who want to hide the tobacco nature from parents or teachers.

FDA officials emphasized that no tobacco product should be packaged to look like candy and that an aggressive enforcement approach will be used to remove such illegal items from stores, with retailers required to correct any violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.